Friends, family helping out cancer patient

Tuesday

Jan 29, 2013 at 8:29 AMJan 29, 2013 at 8:29 AM

Andy Barrand

andy.barrand@hillsdale.net ADDISON — Friends and family of Hillsdale County native Mike Elston have come together to help a dear friend in a time of need. A benefit at the Addison School auditorium will be held beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday to help with medical expenses. The benefit will feature a taco bar, raffle, silent auction and door prizes. Tickets are $10 a person with children under 10 free. “We are getting a lot of donations and ticket sales are going well,” said Tim Knox, an organizer of the event. Knox is one of several people helping with the benefit. Elston was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2010. After treatment the cancer went into remission. At a check-up in March Elston and his wife, Lucia learned that the cancer had recurred.Elston has now been diagnosed with squamous cell cancer, which has spread to his lungs. Elston said after the recent diagnosis doctors sent him home with only months to live. Despite the grim diagnosis, Elston is keeping a positive outlook. Knox describes him as an easygoing guy. Elston enjoys fishing and hunting. The two became friends while their children were in school together. Elston said the response they have seen on Facebook has been overwhelming. At an event last Saturday at Artesian Wells it was standing room only and people were waiting to do their parts to help. The restaurant donated 15 percent of its dinner profits from the night. Lucia said events like these help one to realize how strong a community is. Donations are still being taken for Saturday’s benefit. Those wishing to contrinute can contact Knox at 652-4249. For more information visit Elston’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NoOneFightsAloneMikeElston.